Renaming an historic Newtown oval after a fast-food chain has “undermined” council’s anti-obesity efforts, according to a local health expert.
Gary Sacks said council’s decision to approve the new name defied its own policies to combat obesity, such as a ban on sugary beverages.
“When you hear examples like this to endorse a decision to allow junk food advertising plastered over sports ovals, that’s a concern,” said Associate Professor Sacks, from Deakin University’s Global Obesity Centre.
“If Geelong council did want to get serious about obesity management, they should have a policy in this area.”
Assoc Prof Sacks described the decision as disappointing given council had shown “great leadership” and “been very vocal” in obesity prevention.
In February council decided to phase out sugary drinks at its leisure centres over two years.
“What this shows is one part of council is not really talking to another part of council, which is a shame,” assoc prof Sacks said.
“Obesity is probably the biggest health issue at the moment – if you’re serious about obesity prevention you need to attack it from multiple angles.”
KFC was attempting to appear “community-minded” in a “well-documented tactic” of fast food chains, Assoc Prof Sacks said.
“They’re trying to deflect attention from the fact they’re selling unhealthy products and heavily promoting their products to children.”
The criticism followed the Indy revealing that council failed to contact the family of Geelong historic figure Frederick Stinton before approving the renaming.
Ratepayers Geelong president Jim Collins said the failure was “a sad blight on the family”.
“A naming decision at least deserves some community input. Our history is a very big thing.”
Mr Collins described the approval as “totally hypocritical” given council’s various harm-minimisation policies.
The decision set a dangerous precedent for renaming historic landmarks, he said.
“Where’s it going to end?”
But City Hall community director Robyn Stevens said temporarily renaming sports ovals generated much-needed funding for clubs.
Council’s Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 2018-2021 included goals to improve access to healthy local food and tackle obesity, she said.
“We need our community as a whole to encourage each other to lead healthier lifestyles where possible.
Newtown and Chilwell Cricket Club president Frank Tuskes recently defended the temporary renaming in the local press.
The club respected Frederick Stinton and had previously paid homage to his contributions to Geelong, Mr Tuskes said.
KFC did not respond to the Indy’s enquiries before deadline.
